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School’s out for summer, but drizzle and downpours have been a frequent theme during this year’s holidays. With outdoor activities on hold, keeping kids occupied indoors all day can be tricky – and tiring too.

Fortunately, your TV remote is at hand for those moments when you all need a bit of downtime. From educational shows to captivating series and art-themed programmes, there’s a treasure trove of content available on free to view TV. Here’s our pick of the best channels for children to watch this summer.

CBBC and CBeebies

The BBC has long been a trusted source of high-quality children’s programming. With its emphasis on learning through play, CBeebies is a go-to channel for parents seeking entertainment and educational value for their little ones. From firm favourites Hey Duggee and Peppa Pig to Numberblocks and Alphablocks, there’s something to suit every mood.

CBBC’s lineup for six to 12-year olds also offers a wide variety of content. Time-tested favourites like Blue Peter and Danger Mouse are featured alongside more recent shows like Odd Squad – a series which sees a group of kids use technology and science to unravel mysteries. If your child prefers more creative activities, shows like Ricky Wilson’s Art Jam or Art Ninja can spark imagination and the inspiration for their next masterpiece.

Where to watch:

CBBC
Freeview: 201 (204 HD) | Freesat: 607 (600 HD)

CBeebies
Freeview: 202 (205 HD) | Freesat: 607 (601 HD)

POP

POP is the high-energy choice for children aged six to 10, offering a blend of animated series and movies, including Pokémon, Alvinnn!!! and the Chipmunks and Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir. There’s also a range of shows based on kids entertainment classics, such as Lego, Barbie and Care Bears.

For slightly older children, POP Max provides an array of pre-teen entertainment. Series like Power Rangers, LEGO Ninjago and Transformers: Cyberverse offer action-packed excitement and compelling storylines that captivate children seeking comedy, adventure and heroic actions.

Tiny POP, the (little) sister channel of POP, aims to inspire and entertain 4-6 year olds with shows set in imaginary worlds such as Sesame Workshop, Pony Life and Remy and Boo. It’s the ideal choice for relaxed afternoons.

Where to watch:

POP
Freeview: 206 | Freesat: 603

POP MAX
Freeview: 208 | Freesat: 604

Tiny POP
Freeview: 207 | Freesat: 605

Milkshake! (Channel 5)

Milkshake! on Channel 5 provides cheerful, colourful and soothing early morning entertainment for preschoolers. Featuring shows like Peppa Pig, PAW Patrol and Thomas & Friends, the mix of animation, live-action and storytelling sparks creativity and curiosity. It’s the perfect way to kickstart a summer day.

Where to watch:

Freeview: 5 (105 HD) | Freesat: 105, 6 – 9.15am weekdays | 6 -10am weekends

Ketchup TV

Finally, if you can’t get enough of Peppa Pig or Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom, check out Ketchup TV. This streaming channel provides unlimited streaming of the most popular kids shows for free.

Where to watch:

This streaming channel can be accessed through your Freeview box on channel 211. You’ll need at least a 5mbps WiFi connection to ensure you can watch shows in HD.

Planning some TV time? Don’t let TV interference spoil your kids’ favourite shows. If you notice new interference to your free to view TV – there’s a small chance it may be due to mobile signal upgrades. We’re here to help. Call us on 0808 13 13 800 (free from UK landlines and mobiles).